But Ferdinand’s name was then missing from an updated list of players to be involved which was released on Thursday. Terry and Cole are still set to play.

Terry received a four-match suspension after being found guilty by the Football Association of using abusive language towards Ferdinand’s brother Anton during a Premier League game in October 2011, while Cole gave evidence on Terry’s behalf at a magistrates hearing which saw the Chelsea captain cleared of a racial abuse charge over the same incident.

Rio Ferdinand wrote in his autobiography that “three years later I find it impossible to forgive or forget the pain he (Terry) put my family through” and that he felt Cole had “betrayed” their friendship.

The press release giving the updated lists on Thursday did not specify any reason for the ex-Manchester United and England defender’s withdrawal, simply saying: “Players who were originally scheduled to play including Rio Ferdinand, Andy Cole, Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta and Massimo Ambrosini can no longer attend Saturday’s match.”

The Great Britain and Ireland team will be managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, captained by David Beckham and feature his fellow former United players Phil Neville, Darren Fletcher, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Michael Owen and Alan Smith.

David Seaman and David James are the two goalkeepers in a 17-man squad, which is completed by Terry and Cole, Sol Campbell, Jamie Carragher, Trevor Sinclair, Gary McAllister and Peter Crouch.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Rest of the World team will be captained by Zinedine Zidane and boasts Patrick Vieira, Luis Figo and Ronaldinho.